One of the definitions of spa and wellness tourism that is gaining importance all across Europe is definitely “tourism of well-being”. In this modern world of rapid changes, natural spas and wellness centres are an ideal choice for escaping from everyday stress and realising the desired peace of mind, strengthening life energy and preserving our health. Following the trends, four years ago The Slovenian Spas Association came up with the idea to organize a business event that will help encourage the development of spa and wellness tourism. Iztok Altbauer, Manager of The Slovenian Spas Association and initiator of SPA-CE said: “The idea to organize a professional B2B event for the Slovenian Natural Spas started to occupy me shortly after taking over the position as the Manager of the Slovenian Spa Association in spring 2008. It took of course some time to discuss the idea with right people who have also enough knowledge and experience in organising international Workshops, so after several brain storming sessions, we found out that SPA-CE, the Meeting of the Spas of Central Europe would be the best answer to the demanding and rising requests for this tourism product in the wider region.”
Being organized under one roof and in a form of a trade show SPA-CE enables exhibitors and hosted buyers to make the most of their time spent at the event. Exhibitors can make acquaintance with selected hosted buyers through the online system where they can review, select and arrange appointments with hosted buyers. At the show, the contact is strengthened by a personal meeting in an unhurried environment.
Now already in its fourth year, SPA-CE has developed and grown into a widely recognized business event. Networking, exchanging ideas, getting new contacts and talking business are just some of the main opportunities this event offers. Iztok Altbauer explained, “The long tradition, widely recognised and developed product, very good quality of the services offered in the Spas in Central Europe are just some of the great challenges that we try to put on one display at the SPA-CE every year. Here a professional buyer can exchange, compare and select the best offer. When meeting with other representatives and professionals you can always compare where your offer stands and how to make it better, present it better and finally sell it better.”
Last year SPA-CE trade show hosted 30 exhibitors (spas, wellness centres and providers of medical and other programs) from Central Europe. 50 hosted buyers (travel organisers, tourist agencies, representatives of insurance companies and other potential buyers of spa and wellness services) from 20 different countries across the world attended the event. Organizers are now preparing for the fourth edition and working on the future development of the event. Iztok Altbauer added: “We firmly believe that the participation in the year 2012 will extend the offer with other Central European spa and wellness providers and that we will be bringing more than 60 new hosted buyers to the event. We believe that we are on the best way for this Workshop to be recognised as The Spa & Wellness Business Event of the Year not only in Central Europe, but that it will expand wider and wider and …”
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